The South African Legion in Rosebank held a memorial service on Armistice Day, Sunday November 11, at 11am, to mark 100 years since the end of World War in 1918.
The SA Legion is a welfare organisation for military veterans in South Africa.
Reverend Ralph Thornley, a retired SA Navy chaplain, led the service, at which three World War II veterans were among those present.
“We remember those who gave their lives; many of them were volunteers,” said Reverend Thornley.
“South Africa never had conscription, the men went and laid down their lives; they knew what is was going to happen. We give thanks to them, and we remember all this. It’s an act of gratitude, an act of thanks to God for them for where we are today.”
The Cape Town Rifles band played hymns, including O God Our Help in Ages Past and Abide with Me.
John Moulder, retired division sergeant major from the South African Parabats Regiment, and Peter Horsburgh, an ex-Rhodesian forces serviceman, lowered the South African and SA Legion flags as a bugler played the Last Post.
After a moment of silence, they raised the flags to Reveille.
Chairman of the SA Legion Peter Napier said it was important to acknowledge those who had died for freedom and all those scarred by war.
“It is about remembering those who are affected by the effects of war, those who survived the wars as soldiers, airmen and sailors; those that suffered from the effects that they refer to today as post-traumatic stress disorder. They walk among us, and we are supporting them through our welfare organisation,” he said.
